Swing Dancing/Collegiate Shag

Collegiate Shag has a few basic variations. The most popular is the 6-count Double Shag which uses a 'slow, slow, quick, quick' rhythm.

BASIC PATTERN: from the lead's point-of-view. (Follows, just mirror the Lead)

Beat 1: STEP onto left foot.

Beat 2: HOP on left.

Beat 3: STEP onto right foot

Beat 4: HOP on right.

Beat 5: STEP onto left foot.

Beat 6: STEP onto right foot.

Slow1&2, Slow3&4, Quick5, Quick6. The movements for 5&6 can be a shuffle-step, a run-in-place, or step-in-place. A familiar feeling is a jumping rope feeling. Be sure to do a full transfer of weight with the planted foot has all the weight.

POSITION: There is Solo, Open, Closed.

Solo is when you break apart have have no physical contact with partner. You rely on visual cues and maintain the beats.

Open is when you have a one or two handed hold, but are apart from each other.

Closed is when Lead's left hand holds the Follow's right hand. Lead's right hand on the Follow's left shoulderblade. Body position is offset with Lead's right foot in-between the flows feet. Traditionally the hand-hold is held straight up in the air, but you can also hold the hands at the shoulder level.

KICK PATTERNS: from the lead's point-of-view. (Follows, just mirror the Lead) One can kick down, to the side, in front, to the back, or tap the ground.

Beat 1: STEP onto left foot.

Beat 2: HOP on left while kicking the right foot.

Beat 3: STEP onto right foot

Beat 4: HOP on right while kicking the left foot.

Beat 5: STEP onto left foot.

Beat 6: STEP onto right foot.

TURNS: The Follows can be turned with an outside, inside, a free, texas tommy, or pass-by turns patterns. Traditionally, the Follow turns on the Quick-Quick (2counts), but they can also spin during the Slow-Slow (4counts).